Petrol or diesel?

[tigger73]

Am I allowed to say that I just don't like the Tiguan? As with any comparison between Skoda and VW, I don't think the Tiguan uses the internal space well, and it has the appearance of the full SUV (ie. taller, upright). What I like about the Scout is that it's the standard Octavia wagon but with a little bit more ability for unsealed roads. And of course it's a Skoda!

That's fine. I know car choices are a personal preference and was just giving you some options in your price range with decent towing capability/specs. Though as you say you only tow a couple of times a year so the rest of the time you have to live with/enjoy your car.

Be aware that the diesel scouts towing specs are 1800kg with 80kg towball weight compared to the 132tsi petrol which has a reduced towing capacity of 1600kg and the same 80kg ball weight. So that may sway your decision based on whatever the trailer you're looking at.

[Transporter]

How do servicing costs compare between the petrol and diesel engines?

There shouldn't be much difference between the 2. The diesel could be cheaper, since the engine oil is the same and the TDI oil filter is cheaper than that on the TSI engines. The TDI will be more economical, since you do more kms from the tank.

[brad]

How do servicing costs compare between the petrol and diesel engines?

About the same (IMO).

I wanted a manual diesel when I went Skoda shopping in 2008.

A few car loving friends pointed out that I would miss the broad power band of the petrol. Diesels were a significant premium at the time and Skoda was doing run-out pricing on all the petrol engine models. The sales-lady let me drive the diesel & the petrol & for the price difference (I think it was $3k??) I could buy a lot of 98ron.

The TSI engine is clockwork smooth & quiet from idle through to redline (much better than my wife's Honda). I don't regret buying the TSI and the fuel cost (25,000km/year) is negligible compared to depreciation, insurance, etc.

It uses 40% less fuel than my Liberty did and about 90% less fuel than some of the V8s I've owned.

I think for the 2L/100km I'd save on the diesel it isn't worth it.

re: camper trailers - you don't need a diesel to tow one of them and 80kg ball weight shouldn't be a show-stopper.

[Bob51]

Here is my two bobs worth, Petrol engines are smoother and generally quieter. Diesel has better low speed torque and is more economical although the difference is not as great now with the new breed of turbo petrol engines.

If you plan to travel away from cities and major towns, keep in mind 98 ron petrol availability is patchy. I would not attempt to drive around Australia in a car which requires 98. Diesel fuel is available from every fuel stop.

[brad]

Here is my two bobs worth, Petrol engines are smoother and generally quieter. Diesel has better low speed torque and is more economical although the difference is not as great now with the new breed of turbo petrol engines.

If you plan to travel away from cities and major towns, keep in mind 98 ron petrol availability is patchy. I would not attempt to drive around Australia in a car which requires 98. Diesel fuel is available from every fuel stop.

You can run all these engines on 95ron without issue - it's the std fuel in Europe.

My 1.8tsi has noticeable boost from 1500rpm. I have 250Nm before 2000rpm and 330Nm at 3000rpm. A lot of people on this forum would be asking how to control wheel spin off the mark with those figures.

[Gerrycan]

The interest in small diesels has waxed and waned in Australia and sales are down dramatically, which will have an effect on depreciation.
The 1.8T petrol on the Scout is slightly up on torque compared to the ordinary Octavia and has the 6 speed wet DSG box. Slightly less efficient but copes with way more torque for towing and possible tuning.
As Brad says, in standard form they should be fine with 95 Octane. I drive a 1.4tsi which is ostensibly in a higher state of tune and I have driven 95 and 98 Octane and could not register any difference whatsoever. So I now stick with 95 Octane.
Diesel would be the better towing engine but petrol for general use.
I would probably get the 110W diesel but then I like manuals

[Bob51]

You can run all these engines on 95ron without issue - it's the std fuel in Europe.

My 1.8tsi has noticeable boost from 1500rpm. I have 250Nm before 2000rpm and 330Nm at 3000rpm. A lot of people on this forum would be asking how to control wheel spin off the mark with those figures.

In some places 95 is not available either. In some long hauls between towns the intermediate fuel stops only have diesel and 91 ULP. No Premium ULP of any type.

[Gerrycan]

In some places 95 is not available either. In some long hauls between towns the intermediate fuel stops only have diesel and 91 ULP. No Premium ULP of any type.

Can you give me some idea where these places are so I can avoid being caught out?
Or are you talking about the sort of place a Scout can get to that a standard Octavia cannot?

[brad]

In some places 95 is not available either. In some long hauls between towns the intermediate fuel stops only have diesel and 91 ULP. No Premium ULP of any type.

I wasn't aware of that. Interesting.

[tigger73]

Moral of the story if you're travelling into remote parts with a petrol car that needs high octane fuel, take yourself a bottle or 2 of octane booster along for the trip.